S.E.M.I. – Side Effects May Include... for Windows

Overview

S.E.M.I. – Side Effects May Include… is a cooperative action-platformer built for up to four players. It’s a fast, chaotic break-out game set in a volatile experimental clinic where unpredictable mechanics and teamwork create tense, laugh-out-loud moments. The title is a premium release but is currently available in Early Access, so new content and balancing are still in progress.

Gameplay Mechanics

• Level design forces squads to adapt: shifting gravity, moving traps, narrow passages, and puzzles demand constant coordination.
• The game leans heavily on a bizarre pill-based system that grants powerful buffs alongside ridiculous side effects.
• Combat and interactions rely on physics, so brawls and environmental hazards can produce wild, emergent outcomes.
• Sudden bouts of uncontrollable behavior can flip a careful strategy into full-blown chaos in seconds.

Examples of the pill effects you might experience:

• Blurred sight, swapped controls, or altered AI tendencies that change how a character behaves.
• Extreme weakness or stiffness that leaves a character nearly helpless for a short time.
• Massive strength or size boosts that turn you into an unstoppable force — at the cost of other quirks.

Run Progression and Rewards

After each escape attempt, your performance is graded with tongue-in-cheek medical reports. Cosmetic unlocks and customization options are awarded, letting you outfit characters for future runs. Whether your team makes a stylish getaway or collapses into hysterics, every session tends to be memorable and different.

Who Might Enjoy This

If you like chaotic co-op, physics-driven encounters, and games that reward improvisation over perfection, S.E.M.I. will likely appeal to you. Keep in mind the Early Access status if you prefer fully finished titles.

Alternative Suggestion

If you’re looking for a very different paid experience to try instead, consider Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas — a single-player open-world action game with a classic storyline and large sandbox to explore.